Auto Insurance Claims: used spare parts, diminished value

Question
Hello,


Recently I was involved in a car accident. My car is less-than
two-years old Mazda3 with just 12,000 miles on its odometer.
The crash was determined to be a fault of the other motorist.
Therefore this motorist insurance company will be covering my
car repairs.

The insurance adjuster has put in used spare parts specifically
door, panel, suspension, etc for my car repair.

I certainly do not want a used door or especially a used panel
which have been cut off from the older vehicle to be put on my
almost brand new car. I would like brand new spare parts to be
installed on my vehicle.

Could you please advice me how I can deal with this ? What is
the most efficient way to dispute the adjuster proposal about
the used spare parts?


Sincerely,
Rich

Answer
Most state laws do not require that insurance companies that are paying liability claims put new parts on your vehicle.  Unfortunately, you have few options.  Of course you can dictate to the body shop that you do not want refurbished or used parts and they will have to comply.  You will be likely be responsible for the difference in the cost of new vs. used or aftermarket parts.

The best advice I can give you is to demand new parts, and then obtain an expert report reflecting your vehicle's inherent diminished value.  The insurance company owes for it, but it your burden to prove the amount, and it is near impossible without an adjuster's certified opinion.

If you don't feel comfortable handling it that way, you could possibly utilize the argument that you will have a large diminished value claim if the parts are not new.  You can also argue that despite the fact that your car is 2 years old (appx), the mileage is low and thus the condition is like new.  The company only owes you for actual damages, and getting new parts in place of two year old parts would cause (in their opinion) an increase in your vehicle's value.

I urge you to contact my office for a free discussion of this situation, it is one you can win, and likely without any investment, just armed with the correct knowledge.  To provide all the information on this forum may take a while.

Look up my company on the web and contact us directly.  I go above and beyond to help people get a fair shake at settling their claim, even if they do not purchase a product or service from us.  Visit Petty Details, LLC, we are well known and reputable experts in insurance claims of all kinds.  Most insurance companies have dealt with us before and respect us.  We will shoot you straight.